The exact number of Nigerian movies that will be released this year is unknown as Nollywood is like some sort of machine that works 24/7 and continues to put out movies. Of all the Nigerian movies hyped so far and slated for release this year, three of them have got us interested and we just can’t wait for these movies to be released.

While these films may not necessarily be the best Nigerian movies at the end of the year, these are movies that we at Movie Markers go over now and then in addition to which the plot, the work put into producing them and the crowd awareness amongst other things make them movies that we really want to see.

Here are the most anticipated Nigerian movies of 2014 as picked by Movie Markers’ –

3) Dazzling Mirage

Release Date: TBA
Director: Kunle Afolayan
Starring: Kemi Lala Akindoju, Kunle Afolayan, Taiwo Ajai Lycett, Yomi Fash Lanso, Bimbo Manuel, Ayo Badmus, Tosin Bucknor

Ever since filming of this upcoming movie from Tunde Kelani started filming in 2013, we’ve been following the project closely as Tunde Kelani always comes through on his movies. With talented actors like Kunle Afolayan, Taiwo Ajai Lycett & Bimbo Manuel starring in this movie alongside newcomer Kemi Lala Akindoju, dazzling Mirage promises to be worth watching. Hopefully the movie which had issues with financing will be completed some time soon and made available in cinemas during the year.

2) ’76

Release Date: TBA
Director: Izu Ojukwu
Starring: Ramsey Nouah, Rita Dominic, Chidi Mokeme, Memory Savanhu, Ibinabo Fiberesima

’76 which was formerly titled Lions of ’76, is based on the events of the 70’s era in Nigeria when Soldiers ran things in the country and how their wives of the officers had to cope. An official synopsis is yet to be released at this time but from the information gathered it 76 will focus mainly on the 1976 military coup. For a movie shot in Nigeria, the movie boasts of a rich quality, dialogue, proper acting and well tailored script making it one movie we wouldn’t mind paying to watch at the cinemas.

1) October 1

Release Date: TBA
Director: Kunle Afolayan
Starring: Sadiq Daba, Aderupoko, Fabian Lojede, Demola Adedoyin, Kehinde Bankole, Nick Rhys, Lawrence Stubbings, Colin David Reese, Kunle Afolayan

One of the best in the game, Kunle Afolayan, who helmed the much loved The Figurine and Phone Swap, returns with a thriller which was set in 1960. Afolayan being a man of details will no doubt get this one locked down and make this movie about the cat & mouse game to hunt down a serial killer during the period of Nigeria’s independence one to watch out for.